Lib Dems 'mull Jeremy Corbyn-style rules shake-up' for leadership contests
2 min read
The Liberal Democrats are considering allowing non-members to cast their votes in the next race for the party leadership, it has emerged.
Under plans reported by BuzzFeed News, the party would allow people who are not already members to register as “supporters” in order to cast a ballot in leadership contests.
The move would echo a scheme introduced by Labour which led to a surge in membership and is credited with helping Jeremy Corbyn storm to a surprise victory in the party’s 2015 leadership election. Similar plans were also seen as playing a key role in Justin Trudeau's ascent to the top of Canada’s Liberal Party.
A former adviser to the Canadian PM is currently working with Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable on plans to boost the party’s electoral standing.
Meanwhile, the Mirror has reported that a fresh rule change allowing non members to take a run at the leadership is also on the cards.
The plan is set to be formally unveiled to the press in September, with Lib Dem members given a vote on the plans in the autumn.
Lib Dem sources did not dispute the BuzzFeed article when approached by PoliticsHome, although they challenged suggestions that prominent anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller was being tapped up as a potential candidate under any leadership rules shake-up.
A party spokesperson meanwhile declined to comment.
The reports follow criticism of Dr Cable - as well as his predecessor in the top job, Tim Farron - for missing a crucial Brexit vote in the House of Commons, despite the party making Britain’s exit from the EU its central mission.
The Lib Dem leader later said: “As it happens I had a confidential political meeting somewhere else. I think with the benefit of hindsight obviously I should have been there.”
It was reported that Dr Cable missed the vote to attend a dinner about the possible setting up of a new party.
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